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Dark-horse Red Sox Prospect Flashes Elite Speed originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
If the Boston Red Sox have the need for speed, all they have to do is place a call to Triple-A Worcester. That's because the WooSox currently have the International League's leader in stolen bases.
Say hello (again) to Braiden Ward, who the club acquired in November from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for left-hander Brennan Bernardino.
Ward burned up the base paths during 2026 Spring Training, setting a new Grapefruit League record with 19 stolen bases. And he's kept on running during the regular season with 23 swipes in 26 chances this year, including 14 in his last 14 games. Best of all, his speed is no fluke. He stole 57 bases last year and 50 in 2024.
Despite his elite speed, the 27-year-old Ward isn't among the Red Sox's top 30 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline.
The reason why is very simple: his work in the batter's box doesn't exactly impress.
Ward is hitting a career-low .244 this year and has a lifetime .273 batting average in the minors. And that tracks, based on the scouting report from SoxProspects.com:
"Well below-average raw power. Not a part of his game. Swing is not designed for power. Produces well-below-average exit velocities."
However the scouting report praised his "standout athleticism" and "plus-plus speed."
So what's the long-term forecast for Ward?
"Potential quality organizational player. Ceiling of an emergency depth player," SoxProspects.com noted.
"Uses his speed to put pressure on the defense and is a very adept bunter. Will add value to an organization due to his speed and defensive versatility, but lack of offensive impact limits upside."
But give Ward credit for trying to get on base any way he can. He's been hit by a pitch 13 times this season, which also leads the International League.
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